San Marcos’ boys soccer season was ended in heartbreaking fashion on Friday, as host Valencia Placentia scored in the final minute for a 2-1 win, sending the Tigers into the second round of CIF and the Royals back home.
“A lot of people didn’t think we’d be here,” said Royals coach Brian Eisen. “I’m very proud, and Valencia is a very good team. Now it’s back to reality and no soccer.”
The match was scoreless until the Tigers struck 16 minutes into the second half. San Marcos got the equalizer in the 18 minutes later, as Arnol Rosales sent a ball from midfield to the back post. A brief scuffle ensued and Alvaro Garcia came out of it with the ball, flipping it to Juan Jimenez for the score.
A Tiger halfback made a strong run in the final minute and the Royals suffered a defensive lapse that proved to be a season-ending one. Eisen said that Efren Gutierrez played an outstanding game in goal for the Royals (8-11-5), stopping three breakaways to keep it close.
